Your video,
"Amazon Fire TV Stick: Well worth the $40, but still not as good as Roku
"will start after this message from our sponsors.

Loading video...

CNET First Look

Amazon Fire TV Stick: Well worth the $40, but still not as good as Roku

While it doesn't match the app selection or search capabilities of Roku, Amazon's Fire TV Stick's solid performance and mastery of Amazon content make it easily worth the $40 price.

1:38 / 19 November 2014

Transcript

[MUSIC]
Hello everyone.
This is Amazon Fire TV Stick.
The first thing to know is that it costs $40.
The second is that it works great for streaming video and even playing games.
Roku Stick is still our favorite at $10 more, but Amazon's is a close second, especially if you already have a lot of Amazon content in your collection.
Fire TV stick is about the size of a USB key.
It plugs directly into the HDMI port on your television.
It does require power, however, and Amazon recommends using the included USB power adapter instead of a USB port on your TV for best performance.
So there will be an extra wire, but it's still a very clean install.
Unlike chromecast, google sub $40 streamer, the firetv stick includes an actual physical remote and a real user interface.
Unfortunately, that interface pushes amazon content over other apps like Netflix and search results, unlike rowcrews, don't include other apps on the device.
The app selection on the stick is good, but it's still missing HBO Go, Vudu, and a few other major apps.
Seeing this search, you can do so via voice on The Stick too.
To do so, you'll need to use the companion remote app for Android, coming soon to iOS, or purchase a step up remote with a microphone for another 30 dollars.
I was pleasantly surprised at how responsive with the stick was.
It seems every bit as fast as $99 Fire TV box, and since their app selection's identical there's little reason to get the box unless you're really into playing app-based games on your TV.
Yes, the stick also supports games and even Amazon's optional $40 controller, but the selection isn't wide as on the box.
That's a look at the $40 Amazon Fire TV Stick, a great value, especially if you're deep in the Amazon ecosystem.
I'm David Castlemeyer for CNN.
[MUSIC]

Coming up next

Roku makes 5 great streamers. Here's the one to get

Amazon Fire TV gives voice to 4K HDR streaming

Roku Streaming Stick Plus streams 4K and HDR for less

TV that talks back: Google Assistant comes to Nvidia Shield

Alexa has magic buttons now because why not?

Apple TV 4K review: Sleek 4K HDR streaming for a premium price

PBS Kids streaming stick looks like a toy, plays games and videos

Tour the new Hulu, now streaming 50 live TV channels

Caavo looks like the most powerful universal remote yet

DirecTV Now: $35 a month for 100 live TV channels and a lot of...

Latest Media Streamers videos

A duo that cord cutters could love

1:079 January 2018

ChannelMaster has a new antenna and DVR that could make people ditch cable without working too hard.

Play video

Amazon to sell Apple TV, Google Chromecast after two-year ban

1:2815 December 2017

Amazon puts up listings for the two media streamers that were kicked out of the store back in 2015.

Play video

Roku makes 5 great streamers. Here's the one to get

2:3530 October 2017

Our favorite is the Roku Streaming Stick with 4K HDR for $70, but maybe you want to pay less, or get more features.

Play video

Amazon Fire TV gives voice to 4K HDR streaming

2:0526 October 2017

With the best voice features in the streaming business, anchored by the ability to ask Alexa to play a show, the new Fire TV makes...

Play video

Roku Streaming Stick Plus streams 4K and HDR for less

2:052 October 2017

Roku's latest streamer is the size of a USB stick, belts out 4K and HDR from Netflix, Amazon and others, and costs just $70. And now...

Play video

TV that talks back: Google Assistant comes to Nvidia Shield

1:5028 September 2017

In a first for TV devices, Nvidia's gaming-centric streaming box gets chatty with the help of Google's voice bot.

Play video

Alexa has magic buttons now because why not?

0:5127 September 2017

Soon, $20 will buy you two color-changing Bluetooth buttons that pair with Alexa for new and improved gaming skills.

Play video

Apple TV 4K review: Sleek 4K HDR streaming for a premium price

2:4521 September 2017

With Dolby Vision high dynamic range and 4K resolution, the Apple TV 4K brings the latest tech to the smoothest streamer out there....